1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse (160 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 210 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1980 Mercury Cougar (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mercury | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Cougar | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 2378 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
